A revolution in HbA1c measurement

The semi-automated analyzer has been designed specifically to meet the needs of diabetes clinics and laboratories in settings that demand low cost of operation and ease of use.

From a simple procedure, Quo-Lab provides lab-accurate test results within four minutes (CV < 3% at 7% A1c) from a venous or finger prick blood sample of just 4 μl. Quo-Lab uses the same boronate affinity methodology used by Quo-Test® and is similarly unaffected by Hb variants.

Step by step instructions are displayed on a clear, multi-lingual display. Staff training time can therefore be minimised and the opportunity for error is reduced.

Quo-Lab® HbA1c can store over 7,000 results which can be downloaded as text files to a PC via the integrated USB interface. Alternatively, results can be printed using a printer which connects via a serial port.

Quo-Lab has received its CE mark and is available for sale in most global markets subject to local registration requirements.

Studies & evaluations

Frequently asked questions

What is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)?

Hemoglobin is an iron containing molecule present in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen around the body.

Glucose can bind irreversibly to hemoglobin via a process known as glycation. Hemoglobin that has glucose attached is known as glycated hemoglobin, often abbreviated to HbA1c or simply A1c.

How does HbA1c measurement aid the management of diabetes?

Because red blood cells have a life span of 120 days (three months) measuring the level of glycated hemoglobin in blood effectively shows the average blood glucose level for the previous 6-8 weeks.

In conjunction with regular blood glucose monitoring, A1c tests can aid care providers in determining if a patient's treatment plan needs altering in any way to better control blood glucose levels.

Are Quo-Lab results traceable to the NGSP and IFCC schemes?

Quo-Lab analyzers and tests are calibrated and quality controlled using European Reference Laboratory supplied materials that are traceable to the IFCC reference method.

In an effort to standardize glycated hemoglobin results the AACC established the “National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program” (NGSP) in 1996. In parallel the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) developed reference methods for glycated hemoglobin.

In 2006 and 2007, an international consensus between IFCC and AACC was agreed upon. The calibration and certification of laboratories and manufacturers to the same standards have improved the conformity of the results.

However, in practice differences can still be observed between technologies as well as between individual systems either because of the heterogeneity of hemoglobins, underlying different technologies (e.g. ion exchange, boronate affinity, immunoassay), calibration drifts, or lot to lot variability.

This may result in differences in reported values. EKF Diagnostics follows the recommendations of the IFCC and NGSP to ensure that EKF instruments and reagents are accurately aligned and traceable to the reference method. See www.ngsp.org for more information.

What is the advantage of Boronate Fluorescence Quenching Technology (BFQT)?

Based on well documented boronate affinity for glycated hemoglobin, BFQT has similar performance to the boronate affinity chromatography systems used in reference laboratories. Because BFQT does not require chromatographic separation, the methodology allows for fast, simple and accurate point of care HbA1c measurement.

The Quo-Lab system using the BFQT has the advantage of not being affected by hemoglobin variants (which do not result in reduced erythrocyte life span), labile glycated hemoglobin or hematocrit levels.

EKF Diagnostics

EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc is a manufacturer and distrbutor of IVD products. It has three core divisions: Point of Care including hemoglobin and HbA1c analyzers; Central Laboratory including the manufacture of enzymes and clinical chemistry; and Molecular Diagnostics which incorporates a unique DNA enrichment technology, PointMan, and a portfolio of molecular testing services.